Steven M. Fitch, Possession of Molotov Cocktail, Nebraska 2020

Omaha Man's Guilty Plea in Molotov Cocktail Case Highlights Threat to Peaceful Protesters

In a disturbing display of violence, 25-year-old Council Bluffs, Iowa resident Steven M. Fitch pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of a destructive device, specifically a Molotov Cocktail, during protests in downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

According to the evidence presented in court, on May 31, 2020, Fitch was encountered by officers with the Omaha Police Department at 15th and Jackson Streets while participating in protests. A search of his person revealed a glass bottle with clear liquid inside and a red rag protruding out of the opening, which was later determined to be a Molotov Cocktail.

The device, which consisted of a glass bottle with a wick and a flammable liquid, was found to be in operating condition and capable of exploding when ignited. Additionally, several lighters were discovered in Fitch's front pants pocket.

Forensic analysis of the red rag attached to the Molotov Cocktail confirmed the presence of gasoline, further solidifying the evidence against Fitch.

Fitch's guilty plea comes as a relief to law enforcement agencies, which had been working tirelessly to identify and bring to justice individuals responsible for violent acts during the protests.

Steven M. Fitch, 25, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of a destructive device, specifically a Molotov Cocktail. The defendant faces a maximum punishment of 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. before the Honorable Brian C. Buescher.

The investigation into Fitch's activities was conducted by the Omaha Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

'The FBI is committed to protecting all those who are exercising their First Amendment rights, including the right to peacefully protest,' said FBI Omaha SAC Eugene Kowel in a statement. 'When someone violently threatens the safety of peaceful protesters by breaking the law, as Steven Fitch has admitted to, FBI Omaha is fully committed to identifying, investigating, and arresting those individuals responsible.'

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/iowa-man-pleads-guilty-being-possession-molotov-cocktail-during-omaha-protests